Fin's Fish Guide
The African mottled eel (Anguilla nebulosa) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Anguillidae that grows up to 121 cm.
Description
The African mottled eel is a migratory eel (Anguillidae) from fresh, brackish and coastal water of East Africa and South Asia. The species grows to about 1.2 metres and has an elongate, snake-shaped body with a yellow-brown mottled pattern and a long, continuous fin margin. It grows up for years in rivers and lakes and migrates to the open ocean to spawn, where it dies; the larvae return with the currents. As a nocturnal predator it eats fish, crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the African mottled eel?
The African mottled eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.
Where does the African mottled eel live?
The African mottled eel lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malawi
How big does the African mottled eel get?
The African mottled eel grows to a maximum of about 121 cm.
Is the African mottled eel dangerous to humans?
No, the African mottled eel is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the African mottled eel edible?
The African mottled eel is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Anguilla
More from the family Anguillidae
Want the complete picture on the African mottled eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the African mottled eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.